EVSC reviewing student cell phone policy

The Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corp. is reviewing its policy on cell phones to keep pace with technology and to create a more "realistic" approach.

"Realistically, kids need to be able to use their cell phones to coordinate after-school activities with their parents, among other things," said EVSC spokeswoman Marsha Jackson. "They are a necessity in a lot of ways."

Cell phone use in schools was brought up recently after an incident at Henderson County High School when five boys basketball players took part in using a cell phone to record a teammate after he walked out of the shower. Police said the video was forwarded to more than 30 students.

Henderson school officials have declined to discuss the case or the issue.

EVSC policy on cell phones reflects a more strict approach than the one used by its own schools. The policy prohibits the use of cell phones and other electronic communication devices during the school day, and the phones must be turned off — not just placed in vibrate or silent mode — during the school day.

The guideline now, as verbally communicated to schools from the EVSC, allows students to have cell phones on school property as long as the student doesn't use it in a manner that disrupts the educational process, Jackson said.

"We can't allow anything to disrupt the learning process. If something is causing the other students to lose focus, the teacher or administration will respond as they see fit," Jackson said.

Ryan Frazier, assistant principal at Harrison High School, said if a student is disruptive in class with a cell phone then it is the teacher's discretion if he or she wants to confiscate it.

Any devices confiscated may be picked up at the end of the school day by the student. If it happens again, Frazier said, the student's parent must pick up the cell phone. Any further incidents and the student may face in-school suspension.

Frazier said his office doesn't see too many cell phones turned in by teachers. Students mostly use their cell phones during lunch time in the cafeteria, he said. Although that is against the rules, he said, they aren't being disruptive by using it in that time.

Frazier agreed that it is time for the EVSC to update its written policy on cell phones.

"That policy is really difficult to enforce. I'd say 90 percent of students have cell phones. It's time to update that and look for a policy that understands students have cell phones."

Zach Carr and Selene Deom, sophomores at Bosse High School, said they don't see students using cell phones in class often, nor do they see many students getting in trouble.

"With the netbooks, I haven't seen that many cell phones out," Deom said.

Both said they think the current EVSC policy is a good mix between strict and loose regulation, but Carr said he thinks students should be allowed use their cell phones without trouble in some situations.

"I think if it's a legit emergency then you should be able to use it. Sometimes, when it's an emergency, people don't understand the importance of calling who you need to."

In most emergency situations, Jackson said, cell phones use likely would be permitted by the school administration.